DJ Gig on French Basilica Rooftop Scrapped Over Threats
A planned DJ and rap showdown atop a stunning French basilica has been abruptly cancelled. Organisers cited “serious threats of violence” forcing them to pull the plug on the April 27th event.
Church Concert Cancelled Amid Rising Tensions
The cancelled concert was set for the rooftop of Notre-Dame de Fourvière, a 19th-century church overlooking Lyon. Fans were also meant to watch video footage in a nearby public space. But the Quai de Saône collective, the group behind the event, stopped it dead, blaming a vocal minority causing unrest.
Peaceful Performance Meets Hostility
“It’s so sad,” a rep for the organisers said, revealing they had teamed up closely with a priest to ensure the event respected religious values.
“We spent so much time meditating from the very beginning for the project to be perfect and in sync with religion… and now threats of violence have gone and destroyed it all.”
“We thought the basilica would be the best place to break down negative stereotypes about electronic music.”
The performers targeted were mostly Lyon locals, including Catholic rapper GAB, whose lyrics steer clear of anything offensive or blasphemous.
Far-Right Cheers Cancellation of ‘Woke’ Event
The building’s managing foundation chalked up the cancellation to “serious disagreements.” Meanwhile, far-right group Les Remparts tweeted their approval, lauding the shut down “even before our actions on the ground.”
Church-Based Concerts Stir Ongoing Controversy
- Earlier this month, LGBTQ artist Bilal Hassani scrapped a show at a converted church in Metz after Catholic groups slammed it as “profanity.”
- Recently, a French priest reported death threats following a sold-out pole dance event in his church described by media as “sexy.”
The clash between contemporary culture and sacred spaces in France is heating up, with conservative voices mounting fresh opposition to artistic events held in or near religious buildings.
